Modern farming methods, Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) incentives and market pressures have led to a steady increase in the impact of agriculture on water quality.

WWF is working in partnership with the Ballinderry Fish Hatchery to offer farmers free, independent and confidential advice on how to reduce the risk of diffuse pollution from their farms affecting the Ballinderry River in Cookstown and its tributaries.

"We welcome this timely initiative to offer real on the ground help to farmers in the Cookstown area who are coping with big changes in farming as well as increased environmental legislation," said Wilbert Mayne, local farmer and Chairman of the Ulster Farmers' Union Legislation and Commercial Committee.

Jim Carmichael from the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association (NIAPA) added "the project will have a positive impact on farm businesses and safeguard the environment of the Ballinderry."

Ballinderry Fish Hatchery will visit farms to advise landowners on how small changes in practice could reduce contamination of water from point and diffuse sources. Where more significant changes are necessary, guidance will be given on the options available for obtaining financial support in order to reduce, where possible, the costs being absorbed directly by the farmer.

"We are not the environment police," said Mark Horton, new projects co-ordinator, Ballinderry Fish Hatchery. "We believe that co-operation with local landowners is the best means of ensuring a healthy future for farming and of safeguarding the future of Ballinderry River's special and unique environment."

The farmers targeted are located close to the Upper Ballinderry Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

"WWF hopes that this two-year project will contribute to the wider goal of Northern Ireland achieving good water quality for the benefit of people and nature over the next decade," said Alex McGarel, Freshwater Policy Officer, WWF Northern Ireland.